The toughest roster decisions for every club

Deeper bullpen or a shorter bench? Fingers crossed that those nagging injuries heal. Long-shot kids versus longer-shot veterans. What we've discussed for months against what we've seen for five weeks.

This is the week 30 Major League teams prepare to apply the finishing touches to their Opening Day rosters, which means hours in meeting rooms and in chats around batting cages, on car rides, etc.

Deeper bullpen or a shorter bench? Fingers crossed that those nagging injuries heal. Long-shot kids versus longer-shot veterans. What we've discussed for months against what we've seen for five weeks.

This is the week 30 Major League teams prepare to apply the finishing touches to their Opening Day rosters, which means hours in meeting rooms and in chats around batting cages, on car rides, etc.

At the end of Spring Training last year, a Major League pitching coach texted this: "I finally got to call a kid in and tell him he'd made the team." He was thrilled to be able to do this after a morning of telling players they hadn't made the club.

Some were veterans, some kids, and this guy was exhausted by the process because he understood how much work every one of those players had put into making the team. He had been invested in their quest as well.

So here we are again, about to begin one of the most tension-filled weeks of a baseball season as decisions are made on positions, lineups, playing time, etc., as Opening Day approaches.

Let's run down all 30 teams and check in on some of the important calls they're making:

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Blue JaysFingers crossed for right-hander Aaron Sanchez to finish off a healthy and productive spring after a season in which blisters limited him to 10 appearances. He's two years removed from leading the AL with a 3.00 ERA, and if he's good to go, Toronto could have one of the AL's top five rotations.

OriolesFour Rule 5 Draft picks could make the Opening Day roster as the O's attempt to fill in around the edges for another run at a postseason berth as shortstop Manny Machado approaches free agency. They're big underdogs in the AL East, but that was the case in 2016 when they surprised almost everyone by winning 89 games and claiming the second AL Wild Card.

RaysTampa Bay is sticking with its plan to use a four-man rotation with a group of relievers getting the ball every fifth day. With new players sprinkled up and down the roster, the Rays may be the team about which we know the least. Despite trading away Evan Longoria, Jake Odorizzi, Corey Dickerson and Steven Souza Jr., general manager Eric Neander says he believes his club can contend in 2018.

Red SoxBrian Johnson appears to have won one of the two rotation spots behind Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello. As for the other, Drew Pomeranz (left forearm) probably will open the season on the disabled list, leaving Hector Velazquez, Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright vying for a berth.

YankeesHow do you line 'em up? Aaron Judge appears locked into the No. 2 spot in the batting order while Stanton will hit either third or fourth. Manager Aaron Boone also has to figure out how to divide their playing time between right field, designated hitter and a sprinkle of left field.

IndiansThe Tribe is taking a go-slow approach with left fielder Michael Brantley as he recovers from right ankle surgery. Manager Terry Francona hasn't ruled him out for Opening Day, but also calls it an "artificial deadline." Brantley played just 90 games last season, but when he did, he was as good as he's ever been, with an .801 OPS and a second All-Star appearance.

RoyalsCan Kansas City still find roster space for its Rule 5 Draft acquisitions -- right-handers Bad Keller and Burch Smith -- after the arrival of Justin Grimm from the Cubs? The Royals like Keller and Smith, but seem unlikely to find room for both.

TigersDetroit is still sorting out the back end of its rotation; Jordan Zimmermann, Michael Fulmer and Francisco Liriano have locked up the first three spots. Matthew Boyd and Daniel Norris could be competing for one spot, but would both make it if manager Ron Gardenhire starts Mike Fiers in the bullpen after a tough spring.

TwinsJorge Polanco's 80-game PED suspension leaves Minnesota sorting through its options at shortstop. Eduardo Escobar, Ehire Adrianza and Erick Aybar are the most logical options while the most intriguing name is Nick Gordon, who was the fifth overall pick of the 2014 Draft. Gordon had a .749 OPS in 122 games at Double-A last season and batted .409 in 22 at-bats this spring.

White SoxBefore Chicago decides when to promote top prospects Eloy Jimenez and Michael Kopech -- Nos. 4 and 10 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 -- it must figure out what to do with 24-year-old right-hander Carson Fulmer, who has been hit hard this spring. Would a tuneup trip back to Triple-A help while veteran Hector Santiago takes the fifth spot in the rotation?

AngelsOne monumentally difficult decision: whether or not to keep Shohei Ohtani, who has had a tough spring and might benefit from a few Minor League games. His struggles have overshadowed an even more significant story: the good health of Garrett Richards, Andrew Heaney, Tyler Skaggs and Matt Shoemaker, who made a combined 41 starts last season. If they stay healthy, the Halos will be nicely positioned to return to the postseason.

AstrosWho gets the ball on Opening Day if Houston has a one-run lead in the ninth inning? Closer Ken Giles has offered hope that his postseason struggles are behind him even as manager AJ Hinch has enough options to mix and match relievers at the end of games.

AthleticsDustin Fowler has hit every marker on his way back from right knee surgery, but he's still playing catch-up, and Oakland must decide whether he's ready to handle everyday center field duties by Opening Day. Boog Powell is the alternative.

MarinersWill Felix Hernandez get a 10th straight Opening Day start? For Seattle, the answer is partly symbolic, especially since King Felix's spring was interrupted by a line drive off his right forearm in his debut. But it's more than that since his ability to still pitch at a high level will go a long way toward dictating if the Mariners can make a run at an AL playoff berth.

RangersManager Jeff Banister hasn't announced how he'll line up his rotation behind Cole Hamels. Doug Fister, Matt Moore and Mike Minor seem likely to get three of the sports, and Martin Perez will have the other when he's healthy. Bartolo Colon and Jesse Chavez are options.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

BravesDansby Swanson will start at shortstop on Opening Day, and Atlanta would like to remind fans that its former top prospect has had just 696 plate appearances and that he made nice progress last season, hitting .268 in 49 games after a brief trip to the Minors.

MarlinsTop prospect Lewis Brinson could open the season in center field for Miami, which would give fans a tangible rallying point after an offseason rebuild. Brinson, 23, has played just 107 games at Triple-A, so the Marlins are trying to figure out if he can handle the grind of a Major League schedule as well as the flood of offspeed pitches he's likely to see.

MetsThere are no decisions left in the rotation after Jason Vargas' injury opened the door for both Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler to get the final two spots. Next up: leadoff hitter. Brandon Nimmo has had an impressive spring, but manager Mickey Callaway could also rotate Asdrubal Cabrera, Juan Lagares and even Todd Frazier into the spot.

NationalsSecond baseman Daniel Murphy probably won't be ready for Opening Day after undergoing offseason surgery on his right knee, and that's as close to a crisis as Washington has. Its lineup is deep enough to withstand his absence, and the rotation and pitching staff are the best in the NL East. If this is Bryce Harper's final season in Washington, the Nats have a chance to make it a special one.

PhilliesHow long does second baseman Scott Kingery remain in the Minors? That he'll open the season there seems a virtual lock. If Kingery stays down until April 13, Philadelphia would have an extra year of control, but he could have to wait until Maikel Franco struggles or Cesar Hernandez is traded. Regardless, Kingery is one of the reasons the Phils are so bullish about the future.

NL CENTRAL

BrewersGeneral manager David Stearns is running out of time to add a starting pitcher, and maybe that means he doesn't intend to. But after watching Brent Suter and Wade Miley get roughed up in their most recent starts, here's a friendly reminder that Milwaukee has enough Minor League depth to pry Chris Archer from the Rays.

CardinalsAs St. Louis debates how to use top prospect Alex Reyes when he returns from Tommy John surgery in May, the organization's pitching depth has been on display this spring. Luke Weaver will open as the fifth starter while Jack Flaherty and John Gant will provide enviable depth. That could mean using Reyes as a late-inning bullpen option.

CubsThese are the kinds of questions every team would love to have to answer. For instance, who hits leadoff, and does it matter? Are there enough at-bats for Ian Happ? What's the final makeup of a bullpen manager Joe Maddon says could be one of the best ever? Will Yu Darvish and Jose Quintana be the best one-two rotation punch in baseball? As for really pressing questions, this is a team that just doesn't have many.

PiratesManager Clint Hurdle's key decision seems to be how to draw up his lineup around cleanup hitter Josh Bell in the post-Andrew McCutchen era. Hurdle has interesting options with Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Josh Harrison, Corey Dickerson and Colin Moran. These last few days will be figuring out who plays where.

RedsWho hits leadoff? Billy Hamilton's career .298 OBP has prompted manager Bryan Price to consider other options, including some kind of platoon arrangement with Jesse Winker, Jose Peraza and Hamilton.

NL WEST

D-backsZack Greinke's pulled groin means he'll probably miss Opening Day and is a reminder that a very good rotation lacks depth. Robbie Ray probably will get the Opening Day nod, and there are enough off-days to get Arizona through the first month. The D-backs are hopeful Greinke will not miss a large chunk of the regular season, but combine the injury and this spring's diminished velocity, and it's a concern.

DodgersMatt Kemp decision? There is no decision. Kemp has made it himself by coming into camp, hitting .342 and looking like a guy ready for a second act in Los Angeles at 33. This wasn't exactly the way the Dodgers planned it when he was acquired from the Braves in a complicated salary dump, but Kemp has made it an easy one.

GiantsWho's in center field? Either Austin Jackson and Steven Duggar could be given the job outright, or manager Bruce Bochy could go with some sort of platoon since Jackson bats right-handed and Duggar hits lefty. Jackson has hit .370 this spring, but Duggar has four homers and a .994 OPS.

PadresWhat happens in the outfield? First baseman Eric Hosmer's signing shifted Wil Myers to right, leaving Jose Pirela, Hunter Renfroe and prospect Franchy Cordero fighting for playing time. Pirela may slide to second base at times, but San Diego may be open to dealing someone for pitching.

RockiesCarlos Gonzalez's return to has created a ripple effect that sends left fielder Ian Desmond back to first base and Gerardo Parra to left field -- likely leaving No. 2 prospect Ryan McMahon and outfielder David Dahl beginning the season at Triple-A Albuquerque as well.

Braves five-tool phenom Acuna sent down

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Ronald Acuna Jr. breezed through three Minor League levels last year and established himself as baseball's top position-player prospect. The highly touted, five-tool outfielder will now spend a little more time developing before making his much-anticipated arrival to the Braves' lineup.

After Monday's 6-0 win against the Blue Jays, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos informed Acuna he had been re-assigned to Minor League camp. Even as the 20-year-old outfielder spent the past few weeks producing impressive statistics against Major Leaguers, it was assumed he would begin this season with Triple-A Gwinnett.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Ronald Acuna Jr. breezed through three Minor League levels last year and established himself as baseball's top position-player prospect. The highly touted, five-tool outfielder will now spend a little more time developing before making his much-anticipated arrival to the Braves' lineup.

After Monday's 6-0 win against the Blue Jays, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos informed Acuna he had been re-assigned to Minor League camp. Even as the 20-year-old outfielder spent the past few weeks producing impressive statistics against Major Leaguers, it was assumed he would begin this season with Triple-A Gwinnett.

Now it remains to be seen whether Acuna will be brought to the Majors as soon as April 13, which stands as the earliest date the Braves could promote him and secure an extra year of contractual control.

"We don't set time frames or anything like that," Anthopoulos said. "I know a lot gets made of that. Right now, it's just go down and play and get in a routine. He's obviously looked very good. We just want him to get into the flow, keep doing what he was doing and he'll find his way back here, hopefully very soon."

Acuna vaulted his way from Class A Advanced all the way up to the Triple-A level last season. He ranks as MLB Pipeline's second-best prospect, and he lived up to that billing as he hit .432 (19-for-44), drilled four homers and constructed a 1.247 OPS in Grapefruit League games this year.

Anthopoulos, who assumed his current role in November, indicated he likely wouldn't have pushed Acuna through the system as quickly as Atlanta's previous front-office regime did. Consequently, he thinks the young outfielder could benefit from the chance to get a little more experience at the Minor League level.

"That's not to be critical of what was done," Anthopoulos said. "It's part of the decision-making. But from a philosophical standpoint, I probably wouldn't have jumped him that fast."

Anthopoulos said Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson told him that in retrospect, he understands the value he might have gained had the organization not rushed him from Double-A Mississippi to the Majors with six weeks left in the 2016 season. Swanson tasted initial success and then struggled to the point where he had to briefly return to the Minors last year.

But with the Braves being more than just one player away from being a legit playoff contender, there was never logical reason to think they would sacrifice a full season of contractual control just to have Acuna through the first couple weeks of this upcoming season.

If Acuna would have been placed on the Opening Day roster and remained at the Major League level throughout his career, he would be eligible for free agency after the 2022 season. By keeping him in the Minors until at least April 13, the Braves can push his earliest entry into free agency to 2023.

"You are going to get criticized in these jobs no matter what you do," Anthopoulos said. "We have to do what feels right and what's best for the player in the long run. That's what's going to carry the day."

Like the Braves' rotation would be better with the presence of highly regarded pitching prospect Mike Soroka, who was sent to Minor League camp, earlier this month, the Braves' lineup will be optimized with the presence of Acuna, who will serve as the team's left fielder when he arrives.

There is a strong possibility Acuna and Soroka will both be on Atlanta's roster at some point this season. But for now, they will simply have to extend the development process and wait for the Braves to deem the time is right for them to be at the Major League level.

"Our priority is what's best for Ronald Acuna's development?" Anthopoulos said. "What's best for Mike Soroka's development? Ultimately, we still have a responsibility to the Braves to put the best team out on the field. But the number-one priority is going to be the player development of each player, because we want them when they're up here to stay up here. We want them to have long, productive and healthy careers."

Mark it down: These things will happen in 2018

The 2018 season is upon us. There are a million different ways it could play out. That's not going to stop us from giving you seven data-based guarantees for trends, records, and facts you'll almost certainly see this season.

1. The Yankees will break the team home run record.

The 2018 season is upon us. There are a million different ways it could play out. That's not going to stop us from giving you seven data-based guarantees for trends, records, and facts you'll almost certainly see this season.

Though baseball's homer record fell in 2017, the team mark did not. The '97 Mariners still hold the all-time team record at 256. That's going to change. Probably.

We wrote about this in detail last month, when we noted that the 2017 Yankees already led the Majors in homers with 241, and then they went out and added Giancarlo Stanton anyway. At the time, that was enough to put them into the conversation for the record, but they've made two more moves since then, adding Brandon Drury and Neil Walker, who combined to hit 27 homers last year. That should take time away from the light-hitting bats of utility infielders like Ronald Torreyes and Tyler Wade.

Maybe the question here isn't about if they'll break the record. Maybe it's more about when they break the record. Is it too much to wonder if it happens before the end of August?

2. The "air ball revolution" will continue.

There are a few different factors that have led to more home runs across baseball, and one is the "air ball revolution" that has been detailed so often here and elsewhere. As stars like Justin Turner, Daniel Murphy, J.D. Martinez, and Josh Donaldson have found great success in large part due to trying to hit the ball in the air, other players have followed. Last year, it was Chris Taylor and Yonder Alonso. In 2018, we've already heard about Yasmani Grandal and Juan Lagares trying it, plus more who have likely done so quietly.

We've seen it in the data. The ground-ball rate has fallen from 45.3 percent to 44.7 percent to 44.2 percent over the last three years. Launch angle has risen from 10.1 degrees to 10.8 to 11.1 degrees in the same time. You don't hear about hitters trying to hit the ball on the ground more, do you?

3. The fastballs you see will be thrown even harder, and higher ...

Part of why we've seen more strikeouts across baseball is because hitters just don't care about them like they used to, but part of it is because pitchers simply throw so much harder than they used to.

In 2008, the first year of reliable pitch-tracking technology, fastballs averaged 91.8 mph. Last year, that mark was at 93.6 mph. If that doesn't sound like a big gain, think about it this way -- in '08, just 70.4 percent of fastballs were thrown over 90 mph, while in '17, nearly 86 percent were.

You'll also be seeing more of those hard fastballs thrown high as teams work to counteract the ability of hitters to elevate the ball. We've been talking about this for a few years, with Justin Verlanderin 2015 and the Dodgers' bullpen last year, and now teams like the Cardinals are openly talking about throwing high in the zone more often.

This is a trend we already saw some of as 2017 went on. In April, 53.6 percent of four-seam fastballs were thrown "high" (which we define as reaching the plate 2.5 feet above the ground or higher). That consistently increased as the year went on -- presumably a September dip can be attributed to expanded rosters -- and when the games mattered the most, in October, it was up to 59 percent.

4. ... but you'll see fewer fastballs in general.

Speaking of trends you may not have noticed, but take a look at how steadily the rate of fastballs (defined as four-seam, two-seam, and sinker) has dropped in the Majors, down to 2017's rate of 55.3 percent.

It's not just about curveballs, but it's largely about curveballs. It's difficult to look at last year's list of top curveballing clubs and not notice that the top five teams all made the postseason: the Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers, Astros, and Cubs. With evidence that hitters have been hunting fastballs for home runs, this is another way that pitchers are trying to keep the ball in the park.

We saw this last year, when the Dodgers and Astros each refused to push their starters too deep into games, both as a concession to the "third time through the order" penalty and in hopes of improving health. As you can see, the percentage of innings taken up by starters over the last four decades held relatively steady in the 65-70 percent range ... right up until 2015.

That year, it dropped from 66.5 percent to 65 percent. The next year, that was 63.3 percent, and last year, it was 61.9 percent, an all-time low. It's not at all unreasonable to think that in 2018, we'll see starters taking up fewer than 60 percent of innings for the first time ever.

6. The catcher who qualifies for the batting average title will be an endangered species.

Let's talk about the 21st century. In 2000, seven catchers (defined here as a player who spent 75 percent of his time behind the plate) received 502 plate appearances. In '04, it was 11; in '08, it was nine. In the first 17 seasons of the 21st century, that number was between six and 11 every single year, without exception.

Until, that is, 2017. Last year, only three catchers had 502 plate appearances: Yadier Molina, J.T. Realmuto, and Gary Sanchez. That's the second-fewest in any non-strike season dating back to 1969. Even Sanchez only got there with 18 games at designated hitter, and in '18, it's easy to see the 35-year-old Molina ceding enough time to Carson Kelly to not get to 502.

Due again to reasons of fatigue and health, teams no longer view catcher as a "one-man" job. Look at the Dodgers, who split the backstop position between two very good catchers in Grandal (482 plate appearances) and Austin Barnes (262), or the Braves, who did the same with Tyler Flowers (370) and Kurt Suzuki (309). Maybe Salvador Perez or Willson Contreras or Buster Posey stay healthy enough all year long to get there in 2018; if they do, they'll be the exception, not the rule.

7. The Astros will be the best team in baseball, but the Indians will win the most games.

It cannot be overstated how good the Astros look to be, since they're not only the defending champs, they've added Gerrit Cole and might have a historically good lineup. They're going to be universally picked to win the American League West, and with good reason: They're the best team baseball has to offer.

That said, the AL West got a lot better this year. The Angels added Shohei Ohtani, Ian Kinsler, and Zack Cozart; the Rangers completely remade their pitching rotation; the A's are quietly one of baseball's most interesting teams, even before they added Jonathan Lucroy. Meanwhile, Cleveland is also one of the best teams in the game, but they're sharing a division with rebuilding clubs in Chicago, Detroit, and Kansas City.

One way to quantify this is to look at the 2018 win projections. The four non-Houston teams in the AL West are projected to win 80.5 games apiece, while the four non-Cleveland teams in the AL Central have a projected average win total of just 72.3. Projections aren't everything, and the Astros might be so good that it just doesn't matter, but if we're going to be bold, this is how we're doing it.

Mike Petriello is an analyst for MLB.com and the host of the Statcast podcast.

Cole can't stop smiling following trade to Astros

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ever since the Astros pulled off a January trade that sent four players to the Pirates for pitcher Gerrit Cole, the right-hander hasn't stopped smiling.

To go from a Pittsburgh team that finished fourth in its division to the World Series champions would be reason enough to feel uplifted, but Cole is having perhaps the best spring of his career for an organization that refuses to rest on its laurels.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ever since the Astros pulled off a January trade that sent four players to the Pirates for pitcher Gerrit Cole, the right-hander hasn't stopped smiling.

To go from a Pittsburgh team that finished fourth in its division to the World Series champions would be reason enough to feel uplifted, but Cole is having perhaps the best spring of his career for an organization that refuses to rest on its laurels.

Cole's agent, Scott Boras, who was in West Palm Beach on Monday for the official announcement of the signing of another client, Jose Altuve, said that he recently had lunch with Cole. Boras said that perhaps one other day brought as much joy to Cole as the trade.

"Maybe other than his wedding day," Boras said. "He was smiling all day."

A would-be ace on many of the pitching staffs around the Major Leagues, Cole finds himself nestled in at fourth in the Astros' starting rotation behind American League Cy Young Award winners Justin Verlander (2011) and Dallas Keuchel ('15) and '17 postseason hero Lance McCullers Jr.

"It's really cool, lot of stuff to learn and making some new friends," said Cole, who won 19 games for the Bucs in 2015, his lone All-Star season. "It's just impressive to be around guys with such accolades. It's a really cool opportunity."

Cole was stretched out to five innings on Sunday and said he felt good about the outing despite allowing three runs on seven hits.

That's good news after coming off a 12-12 season with the Pirates last year that included a career-high 4.26 ERA in a career-high 33 starts. But Cole said he believes 2017 was an anomaly.

"It boils down to one or two pitches in those games," he said. "There's really nothing to address other than to understand that every pitch is important and sometimes things just don't go your way.

"There was way too much good work last year to really sit down and say, 'Man I really need to make some adjustments.' There's some fine-tuning aspects, like why did this guy hit this pitch and why wasn't I able to see where the right pitch was and I threw the wrong pitch. That comes with preparation and catchers being on the same page with pitchers."

Cole said he believes a fresh perspective with the Astros has been and will continue to be a big help in that regard.

"[Having] fresh eyes is good, and understanding how and why I got beat in those situations. You just kind of store that in the bank; it's in the past, so you just try to get better from it," Cole said.

With one more spring start left, Cole said he feels as good as he ever has in Spring Training.

"I feel like I've settled in," he said.

Verlander has stellar outingMaking his sixth start of the spring in Monday's 2-0 win over the Mets, Astros starter Justin Verlander looked ready for his Opening Day assignment.

The right-hander threw seven crisp innings, giving up only five singles. He didn't put more than one runner on base in any inning, and only one baserunner reached second.

"I was around the zone a lot, my offspeed stuff probably wasn't as sharp as it's been this spring today," Verlander said. "But I was still able to make some good pitches, quality pitches when I needed to. If anything, I might have been around the zone too much, but overall, it was a good day. It's time to kind of start turning the switch on preparing to pitch in real, meaningful games. I treated today more like a real game."

Verlander has completed at least five innings in each of his last three starts and has now recorded 24 strikeouts against only two walks over 22 innings along with a 1.64 ERA.

Correa goes yardCarlos Correa hit his first home run of the spring on Monday. The Astros' shortstop lined an offspeed pitch from Mets starter Steven Matz over the left-field fence in the second inning, a solo blast, for the first run of the game.

Correa, who hit a career-high 24 homers in the regular season last year, did not hit a homer during the 2017 Grapefruit League season. His last Spring Training homer came on March 27, 2016, in an exhibition game against San Diego in Mexico City.

Up nextThe Astros have an off-day on Tuesday and return to action on Wednesday, when they'll face Washington as the visiting team in at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches at 1:05 p.m. ET. McCullers will make his fourth start and fifth appearance this spring for the Astros. Watch the game on MLB.TV.

Glenn Sattell is a contributor to MLB.com and covered the Astros on Monday.

MLB unveils '18 holiday, special event uniforms

MLB.com

Major League Baseball on Monday unveiled the full lineup of holiday and special event uniforms that will be worn in 2018.

These holidays and events include: Jackie Robinson Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day weekend and Independence Day weekend. MLB collaborated with New Era, Stance and Majestic to create a cohesive uniform design for each event.

Major League Baseball on Monday unveiled the full lineup of holiday and special event uniforms that will be worn in 2018.

These holidays and events include: Jackie Robinson Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day weekend and Independence Day weekend. MLB collaborated with New Era, Stance and Majestic to create a cohesive uniform design for each event.

MLB will again donate its licensed uniform royalties that are connected to charitable initiatives. Proceeds will be donated to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (Jackie Robinson Day), Susan G. Komen (Mother's Day), Prostate Cancer Foundation (Father's Day), Stand Up To Cancer (Mother's Day and Father's Day), and MLB Charities (Memorial Day and Independence Day) -- used to support programs for service men and women, veterans and military families.

Injury updates: Murphy, Ellsbury, Realmuto

MLB.com

Here's a roundup of the latest injury news around the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues:

Daniel Murphy, NationalsThe odds are looking slim that Murphy's name will be on manager Dave Martinez's Opening Day lineup card. MLB.com's Jamal Collier reported Monday that the Nationals are "not quite" to the point of ruling out Murphy for the team's opener in Cincinnati, but general manager Mike Rizzo is about to do so, considering the limited timetable Murphy has to fully recover from the microfracture knee surgery he underwent in October.

Here's a roundup of the latest injury news around the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues:

Daniel Murphy, NationalsThe odds are looking slim that Murphy's name will be on manager Dave Martinez's Opening Day lineup card. MLB.com's Jamal Collier reported Monday that the Nationals are "not quite" to the point of ruling out Murphy for the team's opener in Cincinnati, but general manager Mike Rizzo is about to do so, considering the limited timetable Murphy has to fully recover from the microfracture knee surgery he underwent in October.

"I think it's going at a good pace," Rizzo said of Murphy's recovery. "I like the strength in his leg and his knee. I just think that we have to be really careful with him because of his legs. There's not a hitter in baseball that utilizes his lower half more than him."

Murphy has been able to take batting practice and field grounders at second base, but has not participated in any of the Nationals' Grapefruit League games. The 32-year old has posted a stellar pair of seasons with Washington, hitting a combined .334 and slugging a combined .569 while placing second in the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player vote. More >

Jacoby Ellsbury, YankeesThe Yankees will likely be without Ellsbury for their season opener in Toronto on March 29, as manager Aaron Boone told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch on Monday that Ellsbury is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Ellsbury has been sidelined since the beginning of March with a right oblique strain. The former All-Star has been limited to just four games of Grapefruit League action this spring, collecting one hit in 10 at-bats. A subject of trade rumors this offseason, Ellsbury was projected to serve as a backup outfielder behind the rotating cast of Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. More >

Trea Turner, NationalsTurner is expected to miss a few days with an ingrown toenail on his right foot, but thankfully the club believes that will be the extent of his time away. Turner, who left camp prior to Monday's game against the Marlins, is the second Nationals player to deal with an ingrown toenail -- Bryce Harper missed several days earlier this spring.

Ervin Santana, TwinsTwins fans may need to be even more patient as they await the return of their club's 2017 ace, as Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Monday that Santana's timetable "might be closer to 12 weeks" than the original 10 as he recovers from surgery on his right middle finger.

Twins chief baseball officer Derek Falvey told reporters that Santana is "progressing as expected," although he was frustrated with how long the recovery process could take. Falvey said Santana's timeline is not a concern, and the righty's surgery spurred a series of moves by Minnesota's front office. The Twins acquired right-hander Jake Odorizzi from the Rays in a trade last month, and then signed free-agent righty Lance Lynn to further bolster their pitching staff in Santana's absence. Odorizzi and Lynn will likely join Jose Berrios and Kyle Gibson in the first swing through Minnesota's starting rotation.

J.T. Realmuto, MarlinsRealmuto seemed at ease Monday morning, telling MLB.com's Joe Frisaro that he's confident that he'll be ready for Opening Day despite missing more than a week with a bruised lower back.

Miami's starting catcher played catch Monday for the first time since he suffered a lower back contusion while diving back toward first base as a runner on March 11. Realmuto said he is hopeful he'll able to swing a bat in the near future.

"We'll do everything that we can to give him as many at-bats as he needs," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said of Realmuto. "But first, we've got to get him to that point. We're still going that way." More >

Johan Camargo, BravesCamargo began swinging a bat again Monday, and he didn't report any setbacks as he rehabilitates from soreness in his back and oblique muscle, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.

Camargo has not played since March 13, but Bowman reports he could be back in Grapefruit League action as early as Wednesday or Thursday. The 24-year-old impressed in about a half-season of work for Atlanta last season, batting .299 and compiling a .783 OPS over 256 plate appearances as a rookie.

Charlie Culberson and Rio Ruiz would figure to be the Braves' internal options to replace him at third base should Camargo suffer a setback and be unavailable for Opening Day.

Mike Fiers, TigersWith Opening Day just over a week away, right-hander Fiers is dealing with a stiff back, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reported on Sunday.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said that Fiers might be dealing with a bulging disc and recently underwent tests on his back. Gardenhire said he did not believe Fiers' issues to be a long-term concern, nor will it force the team to shut him down. But back pain would explain Fiers' issues in Grapefruit League action. He has permitted 12 earned runs on 10 hits over 11 1/3 innings, while also allowing four home runs.

Fiers' early struggles, combined with his back stiffness, creates the possibility that he could begin the season on the 10-day disabled list. The veteran signed a guaranteed one-year, $6 million deal this past offseason, giving the Tigers incentive to put him on the mound as long as he's able to pitch.

Zack Greinke, D-backsD-backs ace Zack Greinke threw 40 pitches on Sunday in his first bullpen session since leaving Wednesday's start against the Reds with right groin tightness.

The 34-year-old former Cy Young Award winner bounced back from a rough 2016 campaign, posting a 3.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 32 starts for Arizona last season. His fastball velocity had been down in his Cactus League debut this year, but seemed to be back to the normal 90-91 mph range in the first inning Wednesday.

With the injury-shortened outing on Wednesday, Greinke's side session was delayed by two days. As a result, the D-backs will likely have Greinke start the third game of the season against Colorado, rather than Opening Day, according to manager Torey Lovullo.

Chris Davis, OriolesBatting leadoff, Davis returned to the O's lineup on Sunday for the first time in two weeks after suffering a right forearm injury. Baltimore plans to send Davis to the Minor Leagues on Monday to make sure the slugger finds a comfortable rhythm before Opening Day.

"I want to see how he feels after today," manager Buck Showalter said. "We're thinking tomorrow over there, but let's see how he feels today and tomorrow morning. We'll play it by ear, but all indications are that he should be able to go."

Jason Vargas, MetsVargas has a non-displaced fracture of the hamate bone in his non-pitching hand and will undergo surgery Tuesday, the team announced. He is expected to resume his throwing program five days after the surgery. Vargas signed a two-year, $16 million deal this offseason. Vargas went 18-11 with a 4.16 ERA last season for the Royals, tying for the Major League lead in victories.

Mallex Smith, RaysSmith, the Rays' probable fourth outfielder, is still sidelined with a right hamstring injury. The 24-year-old has not played a spring game since March 8, and manager Kevin Cash said the club is cutting it close for Opening Day with Smith.

Smith was batting .304 with three RBIs and two stolen bases in spring camp prior to his injury. The outfielder garnered 69 hits in 81 games with two home runs, 12 RBIs and 16 stolen bases for the Rays in 2017. The club looks to optimize Smith's speed on the basepaths as soon as he feels healthy again.

Jharel Cotton, A'sIn what could be a huge blow to an already uncertain A's rotation, Jharel Cotton -- a right-hander who was one of just two locks for the Opening Day rotation -- has been diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, which signifies a tear in the UCL. Such an injury is typically a precursor to Tommy John surgery, which would cost Cotton the entire 2018 season, if not more. Cotton, who went 9-10 with a 5.58 ERA in 24 starts as a rookie last year, will seek a second opinion.

Martin Prado, MarlinsA setback on Tuesday while running the bases will send Prado to the disabled list to start the regular season, according to Marlins manager Don Mattingly. Prado, who played in just 37 games over an injury-plagued 2017, is recovering from offseason surgery to his right knee. He was preparing to take Minor League at-bats on Tuesday before the setback, which he said created pain in the back of his knee. The 34-year-old third baseman has been receiving roughly 90 minutes of treatment daily. He felt much better on Thursday morning, and he's hoping his DL stint will be a brief one.

Brad Miller, RaysMiller took his first live at-bats of the spring on Thursday in a Minor League game, as he continues to work his way back from a broken right pinkie toe. Against the Twins' Triple-A affiliate, Miller went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. After battling injuries throughout a 2017 season in which he finished with a career-low .201 batting average, the Rays are hoping a healthy Miller can get back to the form he showed in '16, when he hit a career-high 30 home runs. He's an option for the club at first base, second base and designated hitter, but Kevin Cash said Miller's status for Opening Day remains uncertain.

Michael Conforto, MetsIn his most significant step he's taken since undergoing left shoulder surgery last September, Conforto took four at-bats in Minor League camp on Friday -- his first live swings since sustaining the injury while swinging at a pitch last fall. Conforto went 0-for-2 with a fielder's choice and a walk in a Minor League game.

Conforto has been out of game action all spring, but he has been taking part in baseball activities. He's expected to remain in extended spring camp and continue recovering. His return date has been speculated to be May 1.

Mark Trumbo, OriolesThe Orioles got some bad news Thursday: Trumbo will miss three to four weeks with a Grade 2 strain of his right quad.

Trumbo's MRI on Thursday revealed the strain. The veteran slugger had already missed a week due to the same issue, and he had just returned to the lineup on Wednesday. After the game, Trumbo felt discomfort again, and he remained in Sarasota, Fla., while the O's left to play split-squad games against the Cardinals and Mets.

The latest timetable for recovery would put Trumbo out past Opening Day. Baltimore's season opener is just two weeks away, on March 29 against the Twins at Camden Yards.

Marcus Stroman, Blue JaysOnce believed to be on track to reprise his role as the Blue Jays' Opening Day starter, Stroman was ruled out on Monday for the club's March 29 opener against the Yankees with right shoulder inflammation. He is expected to take a step back toward rejoining the rotation on Saturday, when he pitches an exhibition game against the Canadian Junior National Team.

After tossing two bullpen sessions this week, beginning the process of being stretched out, Stroman is slated to pitch two innings on Saturday.

Though he appears to have recovered from the shoulder issue that has plagued him since early in camp, Stroman is running out of time to face live batters and prepare for the regular season. Manager John Gibbons hasn't ruled the right-hander out to make a regular-season start, at some point, through the first rotation.

"We're not sure yet," Gibbons said of Stroman's first outing, per MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm. "He could still pitch in that Yankees series. We're just trying to buy him enough time. Shoulder really is no big deal, but my experience in this game says, 'You know what? Sometimes it's better to be smart than stupid.'"

Randal Grichuk, Blue JaysA lingering rib-cage injury, the latest health issue for Grichuk, left the right fielder out of the lineup on Thursday against the Red Sox. Grichuk, who stayed at the team's facility in Dunedin, Fla., insisted the setback is only minor.

"My side has been a little tight, kind of pulling a little bit," Grichuk said Thursday morning. "We figured it would be best to treat it, manage it -- instead of playing through it -- take a few days and be on the safe side. ... We're kind of taking it day by day, seeing how the body reacts each day to adding more and more. Just seeing how it goes."

The Blue Jays don't want to risk flaring Grichuk's rib cage so close to Opening Day, so Thursday's decision was largely precautionary. Grichuk, who said he's unsure when he sustained the rib injury, is slated to take over Jose Bautista's job as the everyday right fielder.

Grichuk has been limited to just 17 at-bats this spring, in part due to a sprained left wrist he sustained while making a diving catch against the Yankees last month. He also missed four games before the rib injury surfaced.

Steven Wright, Red SoxWright took what manager Alex Cora called "a big step" on Wednesday in his rehab from a procedure to restore cartilage in his left knee last May. The knuckleballer threw batting practice, incrementally increasing the pressure put on the knee.

"I feel pretty good where it's at right now," Wright said. "It's just a matter of getting that stamina back, and a lot of it is mental, just getting over the fact that I can do it. Before I had the surgery, every time I would land, it would hurt. Now, it's just getting [past] that mental lapse over the fact that my knee is good."

The 33-year-old right-hander posted a 3.33 ERA in 24 starts for Boston in 2016, but he made only five starts in '17 before the season-ending surgery.

Long-awaited rotation of Mets' Fab 5 in sight

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- One by one they arrived in the Majors, their potential plain to see: Matt Harvey, the first-round Draft pick; Jacob deGrom, the unheralded prospect; Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard, the prized returns on trades; Steven Matz, the local prodigy.

One by one, they succumbed to injuries, foiling the Mets' plans to maintain a young, cheap, dominant rotation throughout this decade: Tommy John surgeries for Harvey and Wheeler, a lat tear for Syndergaard, multiple operations for Matz. Only deGrom's body remained mostly intact.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- One by one they arrived in the Majors, their potential plain to see: Matt Harvey, the first-round Draft pick; Jacob deGrom, the unheralded prospect; Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard, the prized returns on trades; Steven Matz, the local prodigy.

One by one, they succumbed to injuries, foiling the Mets' plans to maintain a young, cheap, dominant rotation throughout this decade: Tommy John surgeries for Harvey and Wheeler, a lat tear for Syndergaard, multiple operations for Matz. Only deGrom's body remained mostly intact.

For years, the Mets craved a single rotation turn featuring all five of those pitchers. It might never have happened if not for Jason Vargas' decision to undergo surgery this week on his fractured right hand. Although Vargas will not miss much time, his absence makes it likely that the Mets will open the season with a rotation of Syndergaard, deGrom, Harvey, Wheeler and Matz.

"It's been something that everybody's wanted for a long time now, but it hasn't come together just because everybody's been hurt at separate times," Wheeler said. "Even if it is one time or so, it's going to be fun to get all five guys going in a row and see what we've got."

Until a line drive struck Vargas on Friday, there wasn't an obvious path for the dream to materialize. With Vargas in camp and Harvey pitching well, the Mets had whittled their rotation competition to two pitchers, Matz and Wheeler, for one spot. The loser appeared ticketed for Triple-A Las Vegas.

That all changed when Vargas opted for surgery. Although the injury is not to his pitching hand, he will refrain from throwing until next week. That should be enough to knock Vargas out for his first regular-season rotation turn, despite the left-hander saying he won't know for sure until he sees "how the sutures heal up, and how the soft tissue heals up underneath the skin." Even once that happens, Vargas may pitch with a modified glove, as he did during a bullpen session Monday.

"We're hoping for the best and we're just going to go from there," Vargas said.

Because the Mets have made injury prevention a focal point of camp, they won't push Vargas until he is ready, opening the door for Wheeler and Matz. While neither has pitched brilliantly this spring, Matz struck out nine -- including five in a row -- in six innings of two-run ball Monday against the Astros. If Matz's rotation status was uncertain before Vargas' injury, it isn't anymore.

"When you go through adversity, it builds character," Matz said. "All the stuff we went through will make us better pitchers -- and better people -- in the end."

Wheeler had also worked his way into prime rotation consideration even before Vargas' injury, before allowing five runs in his last outing clouded his status. The Mets asked Wheeler to throw a simulated inning Monday, prepping him to shift into his teammate's rotation spot Thursday against the Nationals.

These are the biggest upsets in baseball history

National pastime has no shortage of incredible underdogs

By
Matt KellyMLB.com

Villanova over Georgetown. Joe Namath's Jets over the Colts. The Miracle on Ice.

These all rank among sport's most iconic upsets, but baseball can conjure plenty of underdogs to go alongside them. Every hardcore fan surely has their favorite, but below are some candidates (from earliest to most recent) for baseball's "biggest" upsets.

Villanova over Georgetown. Joe Namath's Jets over the Colts. The Miracle on Ice.

These all rank among sport's most iconic upsets, but baseball can conjure plenty of underdogs to go alongside them. Every hardcore fan surely has their favorite, but below are some candidates (from earliest to most recent) for baseball's "biggest" upsets.

With folks going crazy over March Madness upsets, here's a look at the biggest in MLB history.

White Sox def. Cubs, 1906 World SeriesThe Cubs' roster doubled as a roll call of early Hall of Famers, led by player-manager Frank Chance while also featuring the iconic double-play combo of Johnny Evers and Joe Tinker and ace Mordecai "Three-Finger" Brown. The North Siders had won a National League-record 116 games, while the South Siders were nicknamed "The Hitless Wonders" thanks to their .228 team batting average. But it was the White Sox's offense who came alive, knocking out Brown in the second inning of Game 6 to seal one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Fall Classic.

Boston Braves def. Philadelphia A's, 1914 World SeriesThey weren't called "The Miracle Braves" for nothing. The club had finished 31 ½ games out of first place in 1913, found itself 11 ½ games behind the Giants on the morning of July 17, 1914. Then, suddenly, the Braves couldn't stop winning. George Stallings' club went 61-16 the rest of the way and then swept Connie Mack's A's -- a club coming off its fourth AL pennant in five years -- in four games.

Giants def. Indians, 1954 World SeriesCleveland was coming off a 111-win campaign (an AL record at the time) and featured a host of in-prime Hall of Famers including Larry Doby, Early Wynn and Bob Lemon. Vic Wertz was already 3-for-3 in Game 1 when he launched a drive to the deepest reaches of the cavernous Polo Grounds. Wertz' drive seemed sure to break a 2-2 tie with at least one run -- if not more -- but Willie Mays' legendary over-the-shoulder catch spoiled the rally. Mays' iconic grab was the series' early turning point, as the Giants ran away with an upset sweep.

Pirates def. Yankees, 1960 World SeriesNew York outscored Pittsburgh, 55-27. Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson (World Series record 12 RBIs) was awarded the Series MVP. But it was the Pirates who finally prevailed in one of the wildest, high-scoring Fall Classics ever. The Pintstripes held a 7-4 lead in in the eighth inning of Game 7, but the Bucs roared back as Bill Mazeroski lifted one of the most iconic walk-off homers in baseball history.

Orioles def. Dodgers, 1966 World SeriesFew gave the Orioles a chance in their first World Series after moving to Baltimore, considering the Dodgers had Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax atop their rotation. But Frank Robinson's first-inning homer off Drysdale in Game 1 sent a message: The O's were no slouches. Moe Drabowsky's 11 strikeouts in relief in Game 1 and 20-year old Jim Palmer's four-hit shutout in Game 2 sent Baltimore on its way, as Oriole pitchers held Dodger hitters to a record-low .142 average and two total runs over a four-game sweep.

Mets def. Orioles, 1969 World SeriesThe Orioles (109 wins) were considered a powerhouse three years later, while the Mets had been baseball's lovable losers over their first seven years of existence. It took a late-season run (and a fortuitous black cat) for New York to even capture the pennant, but brilliant pitching from Jerry Koosman, Gary Gentry, Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver -- along with some timely hitting -- helped the "Miracle Mets" topple the mighty O's and become the first expansion club to win it all.

Mets def. Reds, 1973 NLCSThe Amazin's weren't done surprising people in 1973, when they matched up against Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" after a middling 82-79 season. This series is remembered most for a bench-clearing brawl started by Cincinnati's Pete Rose and New York's Bud Harrelson in Game 3, but it was Seaver's clutch performance in the decisive Game 5 (two runs over 8 1/3 innings) that sent Shea Stadium into a fervor. The '73 Mets still hold the record for the lowest win percentage of any pennant winner in history, personifying reliever Tug McGraw's catchphrase, "Ya Gotta Believe!"

Twins def. Tigers, 1987 ALCSThe Twins' opponents outscored them by 20 runs during the regular season, and their 85-77 record made them severe underdogs against the Tigers -- baseball's winningest team at 98-64. But Minnesota hitters Gary Gaetti, Tom Brunansky and Greg Gagne got hot at the right time, powering the Twins to 34 runs over five games while aces Bert Blyleven and Frank Viola held the Tigers at bay. The Twins went on to stun the Cardinals over a seven-game World Series to deliver The North Star State its first world championship.

Dodgers def. A's, 1988 World SeriesTony La Russa's Oakland club had it all, from Dave Stewart atop the rotation to Dennis Eckersley in the bullpen to "Bash Brothers" Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire in the heart of the lineup. The Dodgers ranked among the league's weakest offenses in 1988, and that was before MVP Kirk Gibson's legs were undercut with injuries.

Most baseball fans know the rest of the story. Gibson came off the bench to hit his iconic walk-off homer off Eckersley in Game 1, and the Dodgers never looked back, rolling to a huge World Series upset in five games. Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser capped a magical 1988 campaign by allowing just two runs in two complete-game victories.

Reds def A's, 1990 World SeriesThe A's entered as heavy favorites again, having rebounded from Gibson's blast in 1988 to capture the '89 Series and claim their third straight pennant in '90. But A's pitchers had no answer for Reds outfielder Billy Hatcher, who compiled a World Series-record .750 batting average (including a Series record seven hits in a row), and A's hitters couldn't figure out Series MVP Jose Rijo (one earned run over 15 1/3 innings) as the Reds rolled to a surprising four-game sweep.

Marlins def. Braves, 1997 NLCSThe 101-win Braves had a deep track record, claiming four of the previous five NL pennants and boasting their famous trio of Cy Young Award winners in Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz. The 92-win Marlins, meanwhile, had just logged their first winning season in a limited franchise history. Rookie Livan Hernandez started in place of ace Kevin Brown (stomach virus) in Game 5 and pitched the game of his life, striking out an LCS-record 15 Braves. Brown rebounded for a complete-game victory in Game 6, lifting the Marlins to their first pennant.

Team USA def. Cuba, 2000 OlympicsThe U.S. flew to Sydney as decided underdogs, though they did have a Hall of Fame manager in Tommy Lasorda who refused to let his club be discouraged. The Americans featured a hodgepodge lineup of both young (20-year old CC Sabathia) and old (40-year old Tim Raines) and future stars like Roy Oswalt and Ben Sheets, but still few gave them a chance against a Cuban powerhouse that had gone a perfect 18-0 en route to gold medals in 1992 and '96. Cuba defeated Team USA, 6-1, in a contentious round-robin matchup, but the Americans would get the last laugh as Sheets' shut out the Cubans on three hits in the final. The U.S. claimed its only gold medal in Olympic baseball competition.

"We came for the gold," Lasorda proclaimed after the final out, "and we got it."

Marlins def. Yankees, 2003 World SeriesThis was a David-vs.-Goliath matchup in more ways than one, as Florida's fire sale after their 1997 championship left them with a payroll ($54 million) that was less than one-third of the 101-win Yankees ($164 million). The Marlins fired manager Jeff Torborg after a 16-22 start and then rolled with baseball's oldest skipper, Jack McKeon, at the helm. A fortuitous foul ball helped the Marlins sneak past the Cubs in the NLCS, and Josh Beckett's Game 6 shutout at Yankee Stadium sealed Florida's second World Series title.

Cardinals def. Mets, 2006 NLCSHopes were high in Queens as a Mets club stacked with star power both in the lineup (Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, David Wright) and on the mound (Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Billy Wagner) ran away with the NL East title. The Cardinals, meanwhile, squeaked through to the NL Central title with just 83 wins.

The Mets' staff was handicapped with injuries to Martinez and Orlando Hernandez, and St. Louis matched them step-for-step to a 1-1 tie in the ninth inning of a thrilling Game 7. Yadier Molina's two-run homer in the top of the ninth put the Redbirds ahead, and Adam Wainwright ended the series with a called strikeout against Beltran. The Cardinals upset the Tigers in the following round, setting a record for the fewest wins of any World Series champ.

Israel def. South Korea, 2017 World Baseball ClassicIt's hard to imagine a more dramatic opening to a WBC than Team Israel's stunner last year, as a team that had to win the qualifying tournament just to make the field toppled an international powerhouse. Israel and South Korea remained deadlocked at one until the top of the 10th, when Scott Burcham's infield grounder was able to plate the go-ahead run for the underdogs. Josh Zeid struck out Korean slugger Dae-Ho Lee for the final out, giving Israel a shocking win in its first-ever Classic game. Team Israel and their "Mensch on the Bench" kept on surprising, going undefeated in pool play (including another upset over Team Netherlands) before bowing out in the second round.

10 days to Opening Day, 10 burning questions

Opening Day is closing in. There's a different feel to things now. Veterans are getting restless, ready for the regular season to begin. Many players -- kids, veterans, long shots -- are nervous about the final roster cuts.

So with regulars playing longer, starting pitchers going deeper and clubhouses emptying out, let's take a moment to consider what's still left to be done.

Opening Day is closing in. There's a different feel to things now. Veterans are getting restless, ready for the regular season to begin. Many players -- kids, veterans, long shots -- are nervous about the final roster cuts.

So with regulars playing longer, starting pitchers going deeper and clubhouses emptying out, let's take a moment to consider what's still left to be done.

Here are 10 burning questions 10 days before Opening Day:

1. WillShohei Ohtanimake the Angels' Opening Day roster?That's the last question we thought we'd be asking at this point. Even if Ohtani struggled at the plate, there were pretty much zero questions about his pitching. It has been a rough spring on both fronts for the 23-year-old, and the Angels have to be wondering if a bit of time in the Minors would help his transition.

At the plate, Ohtani is 2-for-20 with seven strikeouts. On the mound, he has allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 2 2/3 innings. Historical note: At the end of Ichiro Suzuki's first spring with the Mariners, almost every scout on the planet predicted he was not ready for the big leagues. That season, he won the 2001 American League Most Valuable Player Award and the AL Rookie of the Year Award.

2. CanCC Sabathiaduplicate his 2017 season for the Yankees?You have to dig really deep to find pressing questions about these Bronx Bombers. Can first-year manager Aaron Boone handle the most high-profile gig in the Majors? Sure he can. Boone is a smart guy comfortable in his own skin. Is Giancarlo Stanton ready for the bright lights?

But one of the keys to the 2018 Yankees is for Sabathia to repeat how he performed with a sort of career renaissance in 2017: 27 starts, 3.69 ERA, 1.27 WHIP. One of the reasons general manager Brian Cashman stayed away from big-ticket spending on pitching is his belief that at 37, Sabathia can still pitch at a high level.

3. What can the Red Sox expect fromHanley Ramirez?First-year manager Alex Cora plans to bat Ramirez third, right in front of J.D. Martinez, which says he's expecting something along the lines of the 2016 version of Ramirez -- 30 home runs, 28 doubles and an .866 OPS. That Ramirez could make the Red Sox's lineup scary good.

But if Ramirez has another season like 2017, when he was banged up and inconsistent, Cora will have to look at other options. Interesting twist: Ramirez needs 497 plate appearances for his $22 million option for 2019 to vest.

4. CanDerek Fisherbe the Astros' everyday left fielder?Fisher is one of the prospects who GM Jeff Luhnow would not trade, and now he'll be given an opportunity to show that faith was well placed. In manager A.J. Hinch's perfect world, Fisher would play left, which would allow Marwin Gonzalez to move around the diamond in a super-utility role. Fisher, 24, has just 166 Major League plate appearances and is one of the few unknowns for the defending World Series champions.

5. Will Dodgers shortstopCorey Seager's elbow hold up?We should be debating whether Matt Kemp will make the Dodgers and if he can have a great second act in Los Angeles. Problem is, Seager's sore right elbow is an increasingly large concern.

The Dodgers are a deep team built to withstand injuries. But playing for an extended period without one of baseball's top best players is a challenge they'd rather not face.

6. Who bats leadoff for the Cubs?Manager Joe Maddon downplays the significance of this problem, and the Cubs scored the second-most runs in the National League last season, despite rotating 11 players into the spot without a lot of success. Best guess is that it'll again be a leadoff-man-by-committee role, unless someone -- Ian Happ? Kyle Schwarber? -- wins it outright.

7. When can Braves fans plan on seeing Ronald Acuna Jr. in the Majors?Circle two dates on the calendar: April 13 is the first day Acuna can be brought up and still secure a seventh season of contractual control. For maximum splash, April 16 could be the day. That's when the Braves return to SunTrust Field to open a seven-game homestand against the Phillies and Mets. Bottom line: not much longer.

8. When will the Cardinals getAlex Reyesback, and what will his role be?You may have noticed that the Cardinals didn't sign a top free-agent closer, and even with Greg Holland still on the market, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak seems confident about his internal options. That probably means Luke Gregerson will be the closer on Opening Day, but the more interesting question is how quickly the 23-year-old Reyes is back from Tommy John surgery.

The best guess for Reyes' return is early May, and while the Cards see him as a No. 1 starter down the line, they could ease him back with some bullpen work. To have that 97-mph stuff on the mound closing out games would give St. Louis a drastically different look.

9. Will Evan Longoriahave a bounce-back season with the Giants?No team has more significant questions than the Giants, from Jeff Samardzija's tough spring to Hunter Pence's ability to stay healthy and still play at a high level. There are even questions about how much longer Bruce Bochy will want to manage if San Francisco doesn't turn things around.

But a good place to start is with one of the Giants' new cornerstones. At 32, Longoria is hoping to prove that last season's decline was a one-year blip and not the new norm. He's not the only thing that must go right for San Francisco to return to the postseason, but he's critically important.

10. WillTim Lincecumhave a great second act as a reliever for the Rangers?Let's hope so. Lincecum's presence makes the entire sport more interesting. Besides that, the guy has busted his tail to reinvent himself and get back to the Majors at 33.

Projected 2018 lineups, rotations for every team

MLB.com

Spring Training is underway and the 2018 regular season is just around the corner. Here's our best guess at how all 30 lineups, rotations and closer spots will shake out. A lot can change between now and Opening Day, so these predictions are fluid. We'll update them as Spring Training progresses.

Spring Training is underway and the 2018 regular season is just around the corner. Here's our best guess at how all 30 lineups, rotations and closer spots will shake out. A lot can change between now and Opening Day, so these predictions are fluid. We'll update them as Spring Training progresses.